Chapter LXXI: Act 131: , Par. 8, K. Ja. 6, and the subjects’ liberties, who ought (68)

It is not onely joyning in Arms with the Malignant partie, that all these who would keep their integritie has need to beware of, but also subtill devices and designes, that are promoted by fair pretexts and perswasions to draw men to dispense at least with some part of these necessarie desires, that are propounded to his Majestie for securing of Religion. After many turnings and devises the foundation of the unlawfull Engagement was at last laid by his Majesties Concessions in the year 1648. Wherein though many things seemed to be granted, yet that was denied, without which Religion and the Union betwixt the Kingdoms could not have been secured: And it is probable, that such a way may be assayed again, and prosecuted with very much cunning and skill to deceive and insnare the simple. It doth therefore concern all ranks and conditions of persons to be the more warie and circumspect, especially in that which concerns the Nationall Covenant, and the Solemn League and Covenant, that before his Majestie be admitted to the exercise of his Royall Power, that by and attour the Oath of Coronation, he shall assure and declare by his Solemn Oath under his hand and seal his allowance of the Nationall Covenant, and of the Solemn League and Covenant, and obligation to prosecute the ends thereof in his Station and Calling, and that he shall for himself and his successours, consent and agree to Acts of Parliament, injoyning the Solemn League and Covenant, and fully Establishing Presbyteriall Government, the Directory of Worship, the Confession of Faith and Catechisme, as they are approven by the Generall Assembly of this Kirk and Parliament of this Kingdom, in all his Majesties Dominions, and that he shall observe these in his own Practise and Familie, and that he shall never make opposition to any of these, nor endeavour any change thereof. Albeit the League and Covenant be despised by that prevailing party in England, and the Work of Uniformity, thorow the retardments and obstructions that have come in the way, be almost forgotten by these Kingdoms; yet the obligation of that Covenant is perpetuall, and all the duties contained therein are constantly to be minded, and prosecuted by every one of us and our posterity, according to their place and stations: And therefore we are no lesse zealously to endeavour, that his Majestie may Establish, and swear, and subscribe the same, then if it were unanimously regarded and stuck unto by alt the Kingdom of England, for his Majestie swearing and subscribing the League and Covenant, will much contribute for the Security of Religion, his Majesties happinesse, and the Peace of his Kingdoms.

As it is incumbent to all, who live in this Kirk and Kingdom to be watchful and circumspect, so it concerns these of the High and Honourable Court of Parliament and their Committees, in a special way to see to their duty, and to be straight and resolute in the performance of the same; Their former proceedings is unto us a sufficient evidence and ground of hope, that they will not be wanting in any necessary testimony of dutie and Loyalty that they owe to the King, by using all just and seasonable endeavoures for obtaining satisfaction of his Majestie, that so he may be established upon his Thrones; And we trust, that upon the other hand, the sence of their obligation to God, and his Oath that is upon them, will make them constantly to adhere to their former Principles, resolutions, and desires concerning Religion and the Covenant, that reall satisfaction may be had thereanent, before the King be put in the exercise of his power; And that they will carefully provide for the safety of the Kingdom, both in regard of intestine dangers, and in regard of invasion from without: It is not long since they, together with the rest of the Land, made solemn Publick Confession of Compliance with Malignants, carnall confidence, following of self interests, and hearkening to the Counsells of flesh and blood, And did in a speciall way engage themselves to comply, and seek themselves and their own things no more, to abandon the counsels of their own hearts, and not to rely upon the Arm of flesh, and to purge Judicatories and Armies from Profane and scandalous persons; And God forbid that they should so soon forget, or neglect so necessary duties, and fall again unto so great and grievous transgressions. We trust that they will seek the things of CHRIST, and not their own things, that they will hearken to His Word, and not walk in the imaginations of their own hearts, that they will relie upon the Arm of the LORD, and not upon the arm of flesh, that they will be wary and circumspect in decerning the dispositions and affections of those whom they put in trust, and that, seeing this Kingdom hath so much smarted, and been so often deceived by compliance with Malignants, they will carefully avoid this snare, in regard of those who were upon the former unlawfull Engagement, and be tender in bringing in of such; And wee cannot but exhort them in the Name of the LORD, to take notice of the Oppression of the People and Commons in the Land, by the lawlesse exactions of Land-Lords, Collectours and Souldiers. We do not justifie the murmurings and grudgings of those, who, preferring the things of the world to the Gospel and things of Jesus Christ, repine at necessary burthens, without which it is not possible that the Land can be secured from invasion without and insurrection within, or the Cause and People of GOD be defended from enemies: It is the duty of every one who hath taken the Covenant, willingly and with a cheerfull minde to bestow their means and their pains as they shall be called thereunto, in an orderly way: Yet should these to whom God hath committed the Government, take care that they be not needlessely burthened, and that none grind their faces by oppression, not only by making of Lawes against the same, but by searching out of the cause of the poor, and by executing these Lawes timously upon these that oppresse them, that they may find real redresse of their just grievances and complaints, and be encouraged to bear those burthens which cannot be avoyded.

As the Parliament have begun, so we hope they will continue, to purge out all these from trust, that are not of known integrity and affection to the cause of God, and of a blamelesse and Christian conversation, and that they and the Officers of the Army in their respective places, will seriously mind, and speedily and resolutely goe about the removing from the Army all malignant and scandalous persons, and also the removing of Sectaries when any shall be found therein, that they may give real evidence that they did not deal deceitfully with God, in the day that they engaged themselves thereto.

Albeit wee hope and pray that those who beare charge in our Army, will from the remembrance of the Lords goodnesse to them, and the honour that he hath put upon them, endeavour to carry themselves faithfully, and straightly; Yet it cannot be unseasonable to warn them to take heed of tentations, and to beware of snares that they be not drawn to indifferencle or neutrality in the cause of God, much lesse unto connivance at, or compliance with the courses and designes of malignants or Sectaries, but to stick closely by the same, and to be zealous against all the enemies and adversaries thereof: And it concerns souldiers to be content with their wages, and to doe violence to no man, but as they are called unto the defence of the cause and people of God, so to behave themselves in such a blamlesse and Christian way, that their cariage may be a testimony to his cause, and a comfort to his people; So shall our Armies prosper, and the Lord shall goe out with them.

But most of all it concerns the Ministers of the Gospel whom God hath called to give warning to his people to look to their duty; It is undeniably true, that many of the evils wherewith this Kirk and Kingdome hath been afflicted in our age, have come to passe because of the negligence of some, and corruptions of others of the Ministry; Whilest some fell asleep, and were carelesse, and others were covetous and ambitious, the evil man brought in Prelacy, and the Ceremonies, and had farre promoted the Service-Book, and the Book of Cannon; and the course of backsliding and revolting was carried on, untill it pleased God to stirre up the spirits of these few, who stood in the gap to oppose and resist the same, and to begin the work of Reformation in the Land; Since which time, the silence of some Ministers, and compliance of others, hath had great influence upon the backsliding of many amongst the people, who upon the discovery of the evill of their way, complain that they got not warning, or that if they were warned by some, others held their Peace, or did justifie them in the course of their backsliding; We can look upon such Ministers no otherwise then upon those that are guilty of the blood of the Lords people, and with whom the Lord will reckon for all the breach of Covenant, and defection that hath been in the Land. The priests lips should preserve knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth, for he is the messenger of the Lord of Hosts; But such are departed out of the way, and hath caused many to stumble at the Law, therefore hath the Lord made them contemtible and base before all the people, according as they have not kept his wayes, but have been partiall in his law; Because they have lost their favour, he hath cast out many of them as unsavoury salt: But such as have been faithfull, as he hath preserved them from the violence and fury of men, so hath he verified his word in their mouths, both against his enemies, and concerning his people and his work; And makes them see, though not all their desires concerning the Gospel, and the work of God in the land, yet very much of the fruit of their labour, by preserving the doctrine and all the ordinances of Jesus Christ in their purity, and adding in some measure thereto the power and life thereof. We doe therefore charge all the Ministers of the land, before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing in his Kingdom, as in every thing to be ensamples of a good conversation, and to walk without offence, that the ministry be not blamed; So to take heed unto the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made them overseers, to declare unto them all the Counsell of God, and to give them timous warning concerning every danger and duty, and to hold forth unto them the solid grounds of reall consolation, by which they may be encouraged and comforted in all their trials and afflictions; that they may be free of the blood of all men, and have this as a ground of rejoycing, even the testimony of their consciences, that in simplicity and godly purenesse, not with fleshly wisdome, but by the grace of God they have had their conversation in the world, and have exhorted and comforted and charged every one committed unto them as a Father doth his children. Especially, Ministers are to be careful to be much in discovering the temptations, and pressing the duties of the times, that these who are under their charge may know what to avoid, and what to embrace and pursue: If all the Watchmen in the Land shall give warning, and blow the Trumpet at once, it shall not be easie for enemies to prey upon the people of God. Wee know no cause why any whom God hath called to preach the Gospel, should be afraid to speak boldly in the Name of the Lord; since God hath given so manifest a testimony of his care and protection, in preserving them, these yeers past, who have striven to be faithfull to him who hath called them, from all the fury and malice of haters of the work of God and of the Kingdom of his Sonne Jesus Christ, who hath promised to be with his servants unto the end of the world.

Albeit the Land be involved in many difficulties, and compassed about with great and iminent dangers, yet there is hope and ground of consolation concerning this thing. The Lord is in the midst of us, and we are called by his name, our eares hear the joyfull sound of the Gospel, and our eyes see our Teachers; We behold the arm of the Lord stretched out daily in working salvation for his people, and answering their desires upon their enemies by terrible things in righteousnesse; Although we be but few in number, yet the Lord of Hosts is with us, and in the power of his strength we shall be able to prevaile; Although our land be filled with sin, yet we have not been forsaken of the Lord our God, but he hath alwayes had compassion upon us, and delivered us in all our distresses; Although some of understanding fall, it is but to try, and to purge and to make white even to the end, because it is yet for a time appointed; Although many cleave to us by flatteries, yet there be a remnant who keep their integrity, and the Lord shall doe good to these that be good, but such as turn aside to crooked wayes, shall be led forth with the workers of iniquity.

The Lords people in England and Ireland, who adhere to the cause and Covenant, may be perplexed, but shall not despair; they may be persecuted, but shall not be forsaken; they may be cast down, but shall not be destroyed: And although uniformity, and the work of Reformation in these lands, seem not only to be retarded, but almost pluckt up by the roots, and the foundations thereof razed; Yet the seed wᶜʰ the Lord hath sowen there, shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward; The zeal of the Lord of Hosts shall performe this.

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30 July, 1649. Ante Meridiem. Sess. XXX.

_Act concerning Catechising._

The Generall Assembly taking to their serious Consideration the great darknesse and Ignorance, wherein a great part of this Kingdom lyeth, together with the late Solemn Engagement, to use all means for remedy thereof, doe ordaine every Minister with assistance of the Elders of their severall Kirk sessions to take course, that in every house where there is any who can read, there be at least one Copie of the Shorter and Larger Catechisme, Confession of Faith and Directorie for Familie-worship. And doe renew the Act of the Assemblie August 30, 1639, for a day of weeklie Catechising, to be Constantly observed in every Kirk, And that every Minister so Order their Catethetick Questions, as thereby the People, (who doe not conveen all at one time but by turns unto that exercise) may at every dyet have the chief heads of saving knowledge in a short view presented unto them, And the Assembly considering that notwithstanding of their former Act, these dyets of weekly Catechising are much slighted and neglected by many Ministers throughout this Kingdome, Doe therefore Appoint and Ordaine every Presbytery, to take triall of all the ministers within their bounds once at least in the halfe year, whither they be carefull to keep weekly dyets of Catechising: And if they shall finde any of their number negligent herein they shall admonish for the first fault, and if after such admonition they shall not amend, The Presbyterie for the second fault shall rebuke them sharply, and if after such rebuke they doe not yet amend, they shall be suspended.

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4 Aug., 1649. Ante Meridiem. Sess. XL.

_Commission for Publick Affaires._

The General Assemblie Considering how necessary it is for preservation of Religion in this Kingdom, and procecution of the work of uniformity in all his Majesties dominions, That the Commissions formerly granted to that effect be renewed: Therefore they doe renew the power and Commission granted for the Publick affairs of the Kirk by the Generall Assemblies held at Saint Andros 1642, and at Edinburgh, 1643, 1644, 1645, 1646, 1647, and 1648, unto the persons following, viz. Master Alex. Rollock, John Murray, Thomas Lundie, John Freebairne, Geo. Murray, Harie Livingston, William Major, Hew Henderson, Samuel Austine, Mr Gavin Young, David Laing, William Maxwell, John Maccleland, James Erving, Robert Ferguson, John Scot, Thomas Wylie, Hew Eccles, John Bell, Iohn Nevoy, William Gutherie, Iohn Hammiltoun, Hew Peebles, Alex. Douglas, Harie Semple, David Dickson, Pat. Gillispie, James Durham, Robert Bailie, William Hammiltoun, Francis Aird, Iames Nasmith, Richard Inglis, William Summervale, Evan Cameron, Robert Blare, Samuel Rutherfoord, Iames Wood, Iohn Macgill Elder, Alex. Balfoure, William Roe, Iohn Moncreife, Fredrick Carmichaell, Herie Wilke, William Oliphant, George Pitillo, Iohn Robeson, Iames Thomsone, William Rate, Da. Campbell, Andro Cant, Jo. Menzes, Andro Abercromby, Robert Sheyn, William Forbes, Iohn Paterson, Duncan Forbes, William Chalmers, Iohn Annand, William Falconer, Murdoch Mackenzie, Robert Jameson, Gilbert Marshell, Jo. Dallase, Wil. Smyth, Robert Hume, Tho. Suintoun, Iames Stratoun, Jo. Douglass, Iames Gutherie, Tho. Donaldson, Will. Iameson, Iohn Livingstoun, Iohn Scot, Andro Dunkeson, Iohn Dalzell, Arthur Forbes, Iames Fleming, Iames Robison, Hew Campbel, Robert Douglasse, Mungo Law, George Leslie, John Adamson, James Hammiltoun, Iohn Smyth, Hew Mackell, Geo. Hutchison, Patrick Fleming, John Hay, Ephraim Melvill, John Roe, Gilbert Hall, George Benet, Kenneth Cogie, Iohn Crafurd, _Ministers_: Archbald Marquesse of Argyle, E. of Sutherland, Alex. E. of Eglintoun, Iohn E. of Cassels, Will. E. of Lothian, the Viscount of Arbuthnet, David L. Elcho, ______ Lo. Brichen, Rob. Lo. Burly, Iames Lo. Couper, Sir Archbald Johnstoun of Waristoun _Clerk Register_, Sir Daniel Carmichael _Thesaurer Depute_, Sir John Hope of Craighall, Mr George Winraham of Libbertoun, Mr Alex. Person of Southhall, Brodie of that ilk, _four of the ordinary Lords of the Session_, Arthur Ersken of Scotscrage, Laird of Wauchtoun, Sir David Hume of Wedderburne, Laird of Edzell, Laird of Nidrie, Sir William Scot of Harden, Laird of Greenheid, Laird of Freeland, Laird of Cesnock, Sr. Iames Stewart of Kirkfield, the Laird of Suintoun younger, Laird of Eight, Sir Iames Fraser, Sir Thomas Ker, Laird of Fernie, Sir Rob. Adair, Sheriff of Tiviotdail younger, Tutor of Pitsligo, Sir Iohn Chiesly, Laird of Englistoun, Laird of Leslie younger, La. of Dunbeth, La. of Watertoun, Sir Io. Smyth, Mr Alex. Colvill of Blair, Whitbank younger, La. of Grenock, Galloshiels younger, Buchchantie, Crachlaw, Cloberhil, Dalserfe, Mr Robert Burnet younger, Mr Tho. Murray, Iames Eleis, Laird Kennedie, Alex. Iaffray, Iames Sword, George Porterfeild, Mr Rob. Barclay, Hew Kennedey, Will. Glendoning, Thomas Macbirnie, Rob. Lockart, Mr Iames Campbel, Iohn Carsane, Iohn Boswell, Alex. Douglasse, Mr Alex. Skeen, William Broun, _Elders_; Giving unto them full Power and Commission to do all and every thing for preservation of the Established Doctrine, Discipline, Worship and Government in this Kirk, against all who shall endeavour to introduce any thing contrarie thereunto; And for prosecuting, advancing, perfecting and bringing the works of uniformitie in Religion in all his Majesties dominions to a happy conclusion conform to the former Commissions granted by preceding Assemblies thereanent.

And to that effect appoints them or any nineteen of them whereof 13 shall be Ministers, to meet in this Citie to morrow the 7 of this instant, and thereafter upon the second Wednesday of Novemb. February and May next, and upon any other day, and in any other place they shall think fit: Giving also unto them full power, to send Commissioners to the Kingdom of England, for prosecuting the Treatie of Uniformitie as they shall find conveniencie, and to give instructions and Commissions to that effect conform to former Commissiones granted hereanent: And Likewise in case delinquents have no constant residence in any one Presbyterie, or if Presbyteries be negligent or overawed, in these cases The Assembly gives to the persons before named power of censuring Compliers and persons disaffected to the Covenant, according to the Acts of the Assembly, Declaring alwayes and providing, that Ministers shall not be Deposed, but in one of the quarterlie meetings of this Commission; And further authorizes them as formerlie, with full power to make Supplications, Remonstrances, Declarations and Warnings, to Indict Fasts and Thanksgivings as there shall be cause, to protest against all encroachments upon the Liberties of the Kirk, and to Censure all such as Interrupt this Commission or any other Church Judicatorie, or the execution of their Censures, or of any other sentences or Acts Issuing from them; And with full power to them to Treat and Determine in the Matters referred unto them by this Assemblie, as fullie and freelie as if the same were here fully expressed, and with as ample power as anie Commission of anie former Generall Assemblies hath had or been in use of before: Declaring also that all opposers of the Authoritie of this Commission in matters intrusted to them, shall be holden as opposers of the Authoritie of the General Assemblie, and this Commission in their whole Proceedings are Comptable to and Censurable by the next General Assemblie.

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_Directorie for Election of Ministers._

When any Place of the Ministrie in a Congregation is vacant, it is Incumbent to the Presbyterie with all diligence to send one of their number to Preach to that Congregation who in his doctrine is to represent to them the necessitie of providing the place with a qualified pastor, and to exhort them to fervent prayer and supplication to the Lord that he would send them a Pastor according to his own heart: As also he is to signifie that the Presbyterie out of their care of that Flock will send unto them Preachers, whom they may hear, and if they have a desire to hear any other, they will endeavour to procure them an hearing of that person or persones upon the sute of the Elders to the Presbyterie.

2. Within some competent time thereafter, the Presbyterie is again to send one or more of their number to the said vacant Congregation, on a certain day appoynted before for that effect, who are to conveen and hear sermon the foresaid day; which being ended, and Intimation being made by the Minister, that they are to goe about the Election of a pastor for that Congregation, the Session of the Congregation shall meet and proceed to the Election, the action being moderated by him that Preached; And if the people shall upon the intimation of the Person agreed upon by the Session acquiesce and consent to the said person, Then the matter being reported to the Presbyterie by Commissioners sent from the session, they are to proceed to the triall of the person thus Elected, And finding him qualified, to admit him to the Ministry in the said Congregation.

3. But if it happen that the Major part of the Congregation dissent from the person agreed upon by the Session, In that case the matter shall be brought unto the Presbyterie, who shall Judge of the same; And if they doe not find their Dissent to be grounded on Causlesse prejudices, they are to appoynt a new Election in manner above specified.

4. But if a lesser party of the Session or Congregation shew their dissent from the Election without exceptions relevant and verefied to the Presbyterie, Notwithstanding thereof the Presbyterie shall go on to the trials and ordination of the person elected; yet all possible diligence and tendernesse must be used to bring all parties to an harmonious agreement.

5. It is to be understood that no person under the Censure of the Kirk because of any scandalous offence is to be admitted to have hand in the election of a Minister.

6. Where the Congregation is disaffected and Malignant, in that case the Presbyterie is to provide them with a Minister.

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6. Aug., 1649. Ante Meridiem. Sess. Ult.

_A Brotherly Exhortation from the General Assembly of the Church of
Scotland, to their Brethren in England._

The many and great obligations which lie upon us in reference to our Brethren in England, who hold fast their integrity, and adhere to the Solemn League and Covenant, together with the desire which we have to testifie our Sympathie with them in their afflictions, and to preserve so far as in us lieth that fellowship and correspondence that hath been entertained betwixt the Church of Scotland and England these years past, do call upon us and constrain us not to be silent in this day of their trouble and distress.

Albeit the Lord (who hath his fire in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem) hath now for a long time past, afflicted these Kingdoms with many and sharp rods, and that his wrath seems not yet to be turned away, but his hand stretched out still; yet in all this, it becomes us who live in these Lands to stop our mouthes, neither can any impute iniquity to the most High.

It is rather a wonder, that any mercy should be continued, and that England and Scotland are not cut off from being Nations, seeing the back-slidings and provocations of both has been so many and so grosse; Although the Solemn League and Covenant was sworne and subscribed by both, yet have many in both despised the Oath of GOD, as appears by the late unlawfull Engagement against the Kingdom of England, contrived and carried on by a prevailing party of Malignants in this Land, and by the proceedings of the Sectaries in England, in reference to Religion and Government.

We shall not insist upon what hath been the condition and carriage of the Lords People in this Land in reference to the late unlawfull Engagement: As we desire to magnifie the power and loveing kindenesse of the Lord, who enabled all the Judicatures of this Church, and a considerable part of the Parliament, and the body of the Land, to dissent from, and bear Testimony against the same, which made the House of Commons in their Letter directed to the last General Assembly or their Commissioners, to declare, that that Engagement could not be looked on as a Nationall breach; So we look upon it as a wonder of his Wisdom and Mercy, that he hath disposed and directed the same for the furtherance of his Work in our hand, and purging his House amongst us. All this cometh forth from the Lord of Hosts, who is wonderful in Counsel and Excellent in Working. Neither was it the least part of the Lords goodnesse to us, in that day of our strait that we were led in a plain path, and kept from compliance with Sectaries on the one hand, no less than with Malignants on the other. We have obtained this mercy to be steadfast to our old principles, in bearing free and faithfull Testimony against their proceedings, both in reference to Toleration and Government, and the taking away of the Kings life.

And as the danger and judgement which threatens the Authors and Abettors of these things, doth affect our Spirits with horrour, and maketh us desire that it may be given to them of God to repent: So we should conceive our selves void of Christian affection and compassion toward those in England, who suffer for the truth and Cause of God, if we were not very sensible of all their present troubles and calamities. It is no small grief to us, that the Gospel and Government of Jesus Christ are so despised in that Land that faithfull Preachers are persecuted and cryed down, that Toleration is established by pretext of Law, and maintained by Military power, and that the Covenant is abolished and buried in oblivion. All which proceedings, cannot but be looked upon as directly contrary to the Oath of God lying upon us, and therefore cannot eschew his Wrath when he shall come in Judgement, _to be a swift witnesse against those that swear falsly by his Name_.

These things are the more grievous to us, because (beside many other wofull evils brought forth by them) they have interrupted the building of the Lords House in England; the foundation whereof was laid by Oath and Covenant with the most High God, and followed for some years with many Declarations and Protestations of Faithfull adhering thereto, and with great expense of blood and Treasure: Which things were to all the godly in these Nations a branch of hope, that the Lord would bring to perfection the Work of Uniformity (so far advanced in all the parts thereof) in these three Kingdoms.

But the great obstructions and sad interruptions that have been made therein, by the strange and unexpected practises of many now in place and power in England, are to all the welaffected in both Kingdoms, and in all the Churches abroad, the matter of their sorrow and humiliation. And if there be any place left for admonition, we Warn such as have forgotten the Covenant, and despised the Oath of God, and turned aside to lies and errour, to consider whence they are fallen, and to repent. Prosperity and success for a time are no warrantable evidences of a good Cause, nor sufficient guards against the wrath of God; It is no good use of the Lords mercy for such men under pretext of Liberty to make both themselves and others slaves to corruption, and to make all men both in Church and State like the fishes of the Sea, or the creeping things that have no Ruler over them. Are these things according to the Word of God, and the pattern of the best Reformed Churches? Or is that the endeavour to bring the three Kingdoms to the nearest uniformity that may be in Doctrine, Worship, Government, and Discipline; Or is that the maintaining of the union betwixt the three Kingdomes, when the straitest bond thereof is utterly dissolved and quite taken away, and the fundamentall Government by King and Parliament wholly overturned? The just God who is of pure eyes beholds these things, and shall with no lesse fury and indignation break the horn of these men, then he hath broken the power, and brought down the pride of Malignants before them, if repentance prevent not.

Amidst those fears and griefes, it is unto us matter of rejoycing, that there be many in England who mourn for all these abominations, and labour to keep their garments pure by refusing to comply with that course of backsliding, and by bearing testimony against the same. And we hope the expectation of such, shall not be disappointed, but that the Lord will open to them a doore of hope for carrying on of his work, and making the lying spirit to passe out of that land.

And albeit many think no otherwise of the Covenant and work of Reformation, then as a mean to further their own ends; yet we are confident, that none who holds fast their integrity, have so learned Christ, but are carefull to make conscience of the oath of God lying on them; And we are sure (whatever be the base thoughts and expressions of backsliders from the Covenant) it wants not many to own it in these Kingdomes, who (being called thereto) would seale the same with their blood.

Although there were none in the one Kingdome who did adhere to the Covenant, yet thereby were not the other Kingdom nor any person in either of them absolved from the bond thereof, since in it we have not only sworne by the Lord, but also covenanted with him. It is not the failing of one or more that can absolve others from their duty or tye to him; Besides, the duties therein contained, being in themselves lawfull, and the grounds of our tye thereunto moral, though others do forget their duty, yet doth not their defection free us from that obligation which lyes upon us by the Covenant in our places and stations. And the Covenant being intended and entred into by these Kingdoms, as one of the best means of stedfastnesse, for guarding against declining times; It were strange to say that the back-sliding of any should absolve others from the tye thereof, especially seeing our engagement therein is not only nationall, but also personall, every one with uplifted hands swearing by himselfe, as it is evident by the tennor of the Covenant.

From these and other important reasons, it may appear that all these Kingdomes joyning together to abolish that oath by law, yet could they not dispense therewith; Much lesse can any one of them, or any part in either of them doe the same. The dispensing with oathes hath hitherto been abhorred as Antichristian, and never practised and avowed by any, but by that man of sin; therefore those who take the same upon them, as they joyn with him in his sin, so must they expect to partake of his plagues.

As we shall ever (God willing) be mindfull of our duty to the faithfull that adhere to the Covenant in England, having them alwayes in our hearts before the Lord, so we desire to be refreshed with their singlenesse and boldnesse in the cause of God, according to their places. This is the time of their triall, and the houre of tentation among them; blessed shall they be who shall be found following the Lamb, and shall not be ashamed of his testimony. We know in such dark houres, many are drawne away with the multitude, whom the Lord will again purge and make white; And we doubt not but many such are in England, whom the bold and clear preaching of Christ may reclaim; Much therefore lieth upon the Watch-men at this time, that their Trumpet may give a certain and distinct sound, warning and exhorting every one, as those that must give account; And blessed shall those servants be, who shall be found faithfull in their Lords house, distributing to his houshold what is meet for this season, and can say they are free of the blood of all men, having shewen them the whole Counsell of God, being in nothing terrified of the threats of their adversaries; And blessed and happy shall that people be, that walk in the light holden forth by them, and staye upon the Lord in this dark time, harkning to the voyce of his servants, and walking in the light of his word and not in the sparks of their owne kindlings, which will end in sorrow. How inexcusable will England be, having so foulie revolted against so many faire testimonies, which the Lord Christ hath entred as Protestations to preserve his right, in these ends of the earth long since given unto him for his possession, and of late confirmed by Solemne Covenant. Christs right to these Kingdomes is surer then that he should be pleaded out of it by pretended liberty of Conscience, and his begun possession is more pretious to him, then to be satisfied with a dishonourable toleration. All that yet we have seen, doth not weaken our confidence of the Lords glorifying the house of his glory in these lands, and of his sonnes taking unto him his great power, and reigning in the beauty and power of his Ordinances in this Island. His name is wonderfull, and so also are his workes, we ought not therefore to square them according to our line, but leave them to him, who hath the government laid upon his shoulder, all whose wayes are judgement, and whose ruling these Kingdoms had never yet reason to decline. It is good for us to [be] stedfast in our duty, and therein quietly to wait and hope for the salvation of God. The word of promise is sure, (and hath an appointed time) that he that will come shall come and will not tarry. There is none hath cause to distrust the Lords word to his people; It hath often to our experience been tryed in the fire, and hath ever come forth with a more glorious lustre. Let not therefore these that suffer in England cast away their confidence, they are not the first who have needed patience after that they had done the Lords will. But let them strengthen the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees, and say to the fearfull in heart, be strong, fear not, behold your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence, he will come and save you. Now the just shall live by faith, whereas these that draweth back, or become lukewarm in the Lords work, his soul shall ahhorre them, and he shall spue them out of his mouth. But we perswade our selves of better things of these our brethren in England, and prayeth that the God of Peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepheard of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting Covenant, may make them perfect in every good work to doe his will, working in them that which is well-pleasing in his sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be Glory for ever. AMEN.

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_Act for a Collection for entertaining High-land Boyes at Schooles._

The Generall Assembly Considering that the contribution of fourty shillings for entertaining of Highland boyes at Schools, in respect of the penury and great indigence of those parts hath not taken the intended effect, Therefore in respect of the necessity and profitablenesse of so pious a Work The Assembly in lieu of the said fourty shillings Do Appoint and Ordain that there be an extraordinary collection at the Kirk doors for that use one Sabbath in the year: And to that effect, that a certain Sabbath yearly be appointed and designed whereupon that collection shall be gathered, intimation being made by the Minister the Sabbath before to prepare for such a collection, and the necessity and usefulnesse thereof being laid out to the people for that end. And if the collection in any little private Congregation shall be lesse then fourty shillings, The Session shall make up what wants of fourty shillings; And where the collection is more, it is hereby specially inhibited and discharged that any part thereof be retained or interverted to any other use whatsomever; And these Collections shall be sent to the persons formerly appointed to receive the fourty shillings, that they may see the right distribution and employment thereof; Recommending to Presbyteries to see this punctually performed. And accompt thereof shall be craved at Synods and Generall Assemblies. It is alwayes to be remembred that the Congregations exeemed from the fourty shillings are also exeemed from this Collection.

* * * * *

_Commission for a conference of Ministers, Lawyers and Physitians,
Concerning the tryal and punishment of Witchcraft, Charming and
Consulting._

The Generall Assembly Taking to their serious consideration the growth of the sins of Witchcraft, Charming and Consulting, notwithstanding the frequent Recommendations for restraining thereof; And remembring that the Generall Assembly 1647, did propose A good way for the tryall and punishment of these sinnes, by appointing conferences with some Ministers, Lawyers and Physitians in that matter which hath never yet taken effect; Therefore the Assembly doth Appoint Masters Robert Dowglas, Robert Blair, Mungo Law, James Hammilton, John Smith, Robert Traill, George Leslie, John Hamilton, John Duncan, Samuel Rutherfoord, James Wood, John Leviston, James Guthrie, Andro Cant, David Calderwood, John Moncreiff, Frederick Carmichael, James Durhame, Patrick Gillespie, Robert Ker, Ephraim Melvill, _Ministers_ To consider seriously of that matter, And to consult and advise therein amongst themselves, As also with Sir Archbald Johnston of Wariston _Clerk Register_, Mr Thomas Nicolson _his Majesties Advocate_, Mr Alex. Peirson, one of the ordinary _Lords of Session_, Sir Lewes Stewart, Mr Alex. Colvill, and Mr James Robertson, _Justice Deputes_, Mrs Rodger Mowet, John Gilmoir, and John Nisbet, _Lawers_; and with Doctors Sibbald, Cunninghame, and Purves, _Physitians_, severally or together as occasion shall offer; And the Assembly earnestly requests and confidently expects from these learned and judicious Lawyers and Physitians beforenamed, their best endeavours and concurrence with their brethren of the Ministrie for advise and counsell herein, and for conference in the said matter; And Ordaine the said brethren to make report of the result of their consultations and conferences from time to time as they make any considerable progresse to the Commission for publick affairs, And the said Commission shall make report to the next Generall Assembly.

_Recommendation for maintenance of Schoolmasters and Precenters._

The Generall Assembly doe humbly Recommend to the Parliament or Committee for plantation of Churches, that whatever either in Paroches of Burghs or Landwart, was formerly given to the maintenance of these who were readers precentors in Congregations, and teachers of Schooles before the establishing of the Directory for publick Worship, may not be in whole or in part alienat or taken away, but be reserved for the maintenance of sufficient schoolmasters and precentors who are to be approven by the Presbyterie; And Presbyteries are hereby required to see that none of that maintenance given to the foresaid uses or in use to be payed thereunto before the establishing of the Directory of Worship, be drawn away from the Church.

* * * * *

_Act concerning persons to be admitted Bursars._

The Assembly doe hereby Ordaine That none be sent to Universities from Presbyteries, nor be admitted as Bursars of divinitie, but pious youths, and such as are known to be of Good expectation and approven abilities.

* * * * *

_Reference to the Commission for publick affaires, for re-examining
the Paraphrase of the Psalmes, and emitting the same for publicke
use._

The Generall Assembly Having taken some view of the new Paraphrase of the Psalmes in meetter with the corrections and animadversions thereupon sent from severall persons and Presbyteries, And finding that they cannot overtake the review and examination of the whole in this Assembly; Therefore now after so much time and so great paines about the correcting, and examining thereof from time to time some yeares bygone, that the worke may come now to some conclusion, They do Ordain the Brethren appointed for perusing the same during the meeting of this Assembly, viz. Masters James Hammiltoun, John Smith, Hew Mackail, Robert Traill, George Hutcheson and Robert Lowrie, after the dissolving of this Assembly to goe on in that worke carefully, And to report their travels to the Commission of the Generall Assembly for publick affaires at their meeting at Edinburgh in November; And the said Commission after perusall and re-examination thereof, is hereby authorized with full power to conclude and establish the Paraphrase, and to publish and emit the same for publick use.

* * * * *

_Letter to the Kings Majestie._

MOST GRACIOUS SOVERAIGNE,

Wee your Majesties most humble and Loyall Subjects, the Commissioners
from all the Presbyteries in this your Majesties ancient Kingdome,
and members of this present Nationall Assembly, Having expected to
finde at our meeting, a gracious and Satisfactory returne to those
humble representations made to your Majestie at the Hague, by the
Commissioners of this Kirk, Cannot but expresse our great sorrow and
griefe, that your Majesties goodnes has been so far abused, As that
not only the just and necessary desires presented by them to your
Majestie, which so much concerne the glory of God, your owne honours
and happinesse, the peace and safety of your Kingdomes, are utterly
frustrated, as wee perceive by the paper delivered in answer to them:
but also this Assembly hath not received so much as any signification
by letter of your Majesties minde: Which princely condescension had
not wont to be wanting in your royall Father, to former Generall
Assemblyes, even in times of greatest distance. Our witnesse is in
heaven, and record on high, that wee are not conscious to our Selves
of any undutifull thought or disloyall affection, that might have
procured this at your Majesties hands; And that, as wee doe from
our hearts abominate and detest that horrid fact of the Sectaryes
against the life of your Royall Father our late Soveraigne, So it
is the unfained and earnest desire of our soules, that the Ancient
Monarchicall government of these Kingdoms, may be established and
flourish in your Majesties person all the dayes of your life, and
be continued in your royal Family which by divine providence hath
without interruption raigned over us and our predecessors for so
many Generations since the time that we were a Kingdom, And that
there is nothing under the glory of God, and cause of our Lord Jesus
Christ, for which wee doe more heartily solicite the throne of
grace, Or would more readily expose unto hazard all that is deare
to us in the world, then for this. And now though this very great
discouragement might incline us to hold our peace at this time; Yet
the tendernesse and uprightnesse of our affection and Love to your
Majesties happinesse (which many waters cannot quench) together with
the Conscience of our duty which our Lord and Master has laid upon
us, in this our place and station, constraineth us, yea, and your
Majesties owne goodnesse and gracious disposition, whereof the late
Commissioners have given us so Large a testimony, Doth much encourage
us, to renew our addresses to your Majestie in this humble faithfull
representation, both of the great and growing dangers to your Royall
person and Throne, and of these duties, which the Lord of Lords and
King of Kings, call for from you, as you would look to finde favour
in his eyes, and to be delivered out of your deepe distresses.

Our hearts are filled with fears and troubles, in your Majesties
behalf, when we look upon the sad calamities which have been already
produced by such wayes and courses, as we perceive your Majestie is
entred, and in danger to be further led away into, by the prevalency
of evill Councell upon your tender age; Particularly, Your refusing
to give satisfaction to the just and necessary desires of the people
of God, for advancing the work of reformation of Religion, and
establishing and securing the same in your Majesties Dominions, which
is nothing else, but to oppose the Kingdome of the Sonne of God, by
whom Kings doe raigne, and to refuse that hee should raigne over you
and your Kingdomes in his pure Ordinances of Church government and
Worship; Your cleaving unto these men as your trustiest Counsellors,
who, as they have never had the glory of God, nor good of his
people before their eyes, so now in all their wayes and Counsels,
are seeking nothing but their owne interests, to the hazard of the
utter subversion of your Throne, the ruine of your Royall Family,
and the desolation of your Kingdomes; Your owning the practises, and
intertaining the Person of that flagicious man, and most justly
excommunicate Rebell, James Graham, who has exercised such horrid
cruelty upon your best Subjects in this Kingdom, which cannot but
bring upon your Throne, the guiltinesse of all the innocent blood
shed by him and his Complices; and above all, that, which we cannot
think upon without trembling of heart and horrour of spirit, Your
setling of late such a Peace with the Irish Papists the Murderers of
so many thousands of your Protestant Subjects, whereby not only they
are owned as your good Loyall Subjects, but also there is granted
unto them (contrary to the Standing Lawes of your Royall Progenitors,
contrary to the commandment of the most high God, and to the high
contempt and dishonor of his Majestie, and evident danger of the
Protestant Religion) a full liberty of their abominable Idolatry;
which cannot be otherwise judged, but a giving of your Royal power
and strength unto the beast, and an accession to all that blood of
your good Subjects, wherewith those Sonnes of Babell have made that
Land to swim.